Older Victorians will have their voices heard as part of a new advisory committee established by the state government.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt recently met with the members of the new Senior Victorians Advisory Committee who will provide an important community voice to government on the lived experiences of older people.
With more than 1.5 million Victorians 60 years and over – or almost one quarter of the Victoria’s population – the committee will highlight the priorities and challenges of older Victorians, as well as emerging issues that are important to older people.
More than 240 older people from across Victoria applied to be a part of the committee, demonstrating the high level of interest and passion to advocate on issues affecting older Victorians.
The committee membership represents the diversity of the Victorian community, with members including Aboriginal Victorians, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people and regional Victorians.
The inaugural eight community members of the committee, appointed for a term of up to three years, includes associate professor in Rural Health Sue Harrison, who will serve as a the chair and has more than four decades of medical practice in Echuca and Swan Hill; Brenda Appleton, trans and gender diverse communities’ leader and LGBTIQIA+ rights advocate; Dr Chukwudozie (Dozie) Ezigbalike, former educator and geo-information specialist, community advocate for people from new and emerging communities; Gabrielle (Aunty Gabby) Gamble, an advocate for elders who are survivors of the Stolen Generation and community volunteer; Jan Laidlaw, who is passionate advocate for older people’s access to information, services and transport, with a professional background in local government as a mayor and councillor; Linette Harriott, a family violence and gender equality professional and mentor for LGBTIQA+ young people; Mariamma John, a community volunteer and supporter of seniors of all cultural backgrounds; and Van Pho, an experienced corporate professional, avid community worker, and supporter of seniors’ mental health
The eight community members will be complemented by four sector members from Council on the Ageing Victoria, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, the Municipal Association of Victoria, and Switchboard, ensuring representation and expertise across a range of sectors working with older Victorians.
The committee’s work will focus on providing advice on the implementation of the Ageing Well Action Plan 2022-2026 and the lived experience of older Victorians.
In addition to this, the committee will raise awareness of the positive contributions and meaningful participation of older people in social, economic and cultural life, as well as promoting rights and respect for older Victorians.
“The Senior Victorians Advisory Committee will provide older Victorians with a seat at the table and the opportunity to provide advice on their needs and rights that informs government priorities and programs,” Ms Stitt said.
“We know older Victorians are not a uniform group – that’s why the new Senior Victorians Advisory Committee is made up of diverse individuals who each bring their unique perspective and lived experiences.”
Ms Harrison said it was a privilege to be appointed to the committee.
“It is a privilege to represent a significant part of the Victorian population, raise awareness of matters impacting older Victorians and provide advice that embeds older perspectives at its core,” she said.
